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Do you know what unique position Indians occupy among global immigrants?
With the acceleration of globalization, Indian immigrants have expanded to all parts of the world. They have not only become important members of the societies of various countries, but also contributed a lot to global economic development. According to Indian government statistics, approximately 35.4 million non-resident Indians (NRIs) and persons of Indian origin (PIOs) are currently distributed around the world, forming the largest overseas immigrant group in the world. Among the annual number of immigrants, India ranks first in the international mobile population with 2.5 million. Behind this phenomenon, more changes of the times and cultural integration are hidden.
Legal framework for overseas Indians
First of all, the so-called Non-Resident Indian (NRI) is defined under Section 6 of the Income Tax Act, 1961. By definition, NRI refers to an Indian citizen who has not resided in India for a specific period of time. People of Indian origin refer to foreign citizens who were born in India or whose ancestors came from India. Additionally, Overseas Citizenship (OCI) is a permanent visa granted to a person of Indian origin or a foreign citizen married to an Indian citizen. This legal framework enables Indian citizens and their descendants who do not reside in India to retain their ties to their motherland.
According to a report provided by the "Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs" on November 26, 2024, overseas Indians are undoubtedly the largest immigrant group in the world, demonstrating the extensive influence of Indian culture and economy.
The history and experience of Indian immigrants
India’s history of immigration stretches back centuries. In terms of commercial trade, as early as the Islamic period, Indian merchants were already active in the Arabian Peninsula and Central Asia. With the development of the times, many Indians were forced to become indentured workers during the colonial period and left their homeland to seek a better life in other countries. The early immigrants were particularly famous for their trade and commerce activities and occupied an important position in local society. For example, in the Indian community in South Africa, many were contract workers who were introduced in the 19th century, and the descendants of these immigrants have become part of the local society today.
The impact of immigration on the Indian economy
Overseas Indians play an important role in India's economic and diplomatic relations. Their remittances contribute significantly to India’s economy every year and even play an important role in democratic politics. For example, in the signing of the US-India Civilian Nuclear Energy Agreement in 2008, active lobbying by Indian Americans played an important role in promoting it. It can be said that overseas Indian immigrants are not only the backbone of the economy, but also a bridge for cultural exchanges.
Challenges faced by overseas Indians
Although overseas Indians have made great achievements, they often face challenges such as cultural integration and social discrimination when living in foreign countries. For many Indian ethnic groups, maintaining cultural heritage and identity is also an eternal issue. Additionally, with globalization and geopolitical changes, Indian communities in certain regions are sometimes affected by anti-immigration policies and discrimination. How to find a balance between personal development and cultural protection is an issue worth thinking about for every overseas Indian.
Conclusion
In general, the existence and development of Indian overseas immigrants on the global stage are the result of the interweaving of multiple forces. Their history, economic contributions and impact on societies in various countries make them a part that cannot be ignored. As globalization deepens in the future, how will the role of immigrants in India evolve?
